Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Regionalism and Lingualism
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Text book Questions
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which of these statements represents regionalism?
1. Demand for re-organisation of states
2. Formation of new state
3. Autonomy within the Indian Union
4. Merger of one state into a larger state.
The correct statement is :
(a) 1, 2, 3, 4
(b) 1, 2, 4
(c) 1, 2, 3
(d) 2, 3, 4
Answer:
(c) 1, 2, 3
Question 2.
The concept of ‘Son of soil’ implies:
(a) Rise of a self-styled leader in a certain region.
(b) Children of a woman named ‘Bhoomi’
(c) Fishermen working on land.
(d) A form of feudalism.
Answer:
(a) Rise of a self-styled leader in a certain region.
Question 3.
Which of these does not match with those programmes listed among ones for development of backward areas, by the government of India.
(a) Tribal Area Development Programme
(b) Hill Area Development programme
(c) Desert Development programme
(d) Religious Place Development programme
Answer:
(d) Religious Place Development programme
Question 4.
Which of these combinations are correct for ‘Three language formula’?
(a) Hindi, English, Kannad
(b) English, Punjabi, Russian
(c) Hindi, Bhojpuri, Devnagri
(d) Hindi, Malyalam, Rajasthani
Answer:
(a) Hindi, English, Kannad
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Mention the main reason for the rise of regionalism.
Answer:
The main reason for the rise of regionalism in to fulfill narrow self interests of the people.
Question 2.
What is meant by lingualism?
Answer:
Tendency to attach priority to their language by any society or people of a state and to regard other languages inferior comes under the category of lingualism.
Question 3.
What are the two ill-effects of regionalism?
Answer:
- Challenge to the integrity of a country
- Demand for new states.
Question 4.
Suggest one way by which lingualism can be prevented from becoming a challenge for unity.
Answer:
If we start exploring a way for the resolution of the problem of lingualism in the national interest,by ending political narrow-mindedness, this problem can be resolved.
Question 5.
Which language has been accorded the status of official language of the Indian Union?
Answer:
The status of official language of the Indian Union has been given to Hindi language.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is the concept of ‘Son of Soil’?
Answer:
Another tendency of regionalism is seen in the form of concept of Bhumiputra (Son of Soil)’. The meaning of the notion of ‘Son of Soil’ is that “a state or people of a region raise their voice for special protection in respect of the living and employment to those who live in that particular state”.
Hence, it is a clear caveat that no outsider should be given jobs in the state or the region unless all native residents get employment there. The notion of ‘Son of Soil’ emerged in 60s when this was followed by some organisations like Shiv Sena in Maharastra, but its, rampant form has occasionally been witnessed. The events happened in northern Assam in 2004 and the treatment meted out to Biharis during ‘Railway Recruitment’ in Mumbai are the results and proofs of concept of ‘Son of Soil’.
Question 2.
Explain the meaning of regionalism.
Answer:
Meaning of Regionalism :
The word ‘Region’ has many meanings. In fundamental sense, a thread joining any area is ‘Cultural equality’ Any geographical state is also addressed on the basis of area/region.
In the context of Indian politics, regionalism means :
“To showcase a special attraction or devotion towards a small region in comparison to sentiments towards a nation, state or province.” In this way, regionalism is opposite to nationalism in terms of wider sentiment and its motto is to fulfill narrow regional interests.
In other words, the efforts made by local people to develop their region in comparison to the union or other states is called regionalism. The object of regionalism is the fulfillment of their respective narrow regional interests. It is a tendency in which the people of a certain region demand their greater share in economic, social and politician spheres.
In the context of Indian politics, it is a mentality which is based on language, religion, region, etc, and which gives rise to subversive activities. The sentiment of regionalism is pervasive in the entire country, which is expressed in the form of well-planned and well-organised agitations and movements.
Question 3.
What is ‘Three-language’ Formula?
Answer:
Three-language formula: It is clearly mentioned in article 343 of Indian constitution that official language of the union of India will be Hindi. In order to optimise the use of Hindi and also to give suggestions on the status of regional languages, there is a provision for the constitution of a committee by the President. Besides, there is a provision for the complete safety of lingual minorities.
In order to enforce these provisions in the constitution, the first official language commission was constituted in 1955 under the chairmanship of prof. B.G. Khare. In 1967, there came a suggestion to implement ‘Three-Language Formula’ by the official language amendment Act. Under this, all competitive examinations will be conducted in Hindi, English and other regional languages besides official transactions. The consistent development of Hindi would also a part of this process.
Question 4.
Write the names of any four special development programmes conducted by the government of India.
Answer:
The names of the special development programmes conducted by the government of India are as follows.
- Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP)
- Desert Development Programme (DDP)
- Hill Area Development Programme (HADP)
- Tribal Area Development Programme (TADP)
The plans or programmes are being conducted by the government of India in a bid to minimise regional imbalances.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
What is regionalism? Suggest reasons for its growth and ways of its elimination.
Answer:
Meaning of Regionalism :
Regionalism refers to a small area in a part of the country or a small area / region of a country, which makes efforts for its separate existence on account of economic, geographical and social reasons, etc. In this way, regionalism means a cohesion or more attachment towards an area or a region, or towards a particular province or state in comparison to the one towards the country. It is such a mentality or trend in which people of that particular region demand more economic, social and political powers.
Causes for the growth of regionalism :
The main reasons for the growth of regionalism are given below:
i. Nature-gifted differences :
There are naturally created differences and inequalities which are found in abundance in India. On one hand, we have hill areas, whereas on the other, we have deserts.
Apart from this, we have areas- plateaus, plains and seas. These differences carry a bearing on all the aspects of life. The socio-economic traditions, rituals, languages, culture, dress code, eating habits, ways of living, etc of an area/region are quite different from other regions or areas. Different parts of the country have multiple problems and as such, there has erupted a sense of imbalance among areas, which has given rise to the trend of regionalism.
ii. Administrative differences :
Because of administrative difference, some states suffer in the context of development. When administration does not make proper distribution of resources among the states, and as a result, the pace of development suffers, this also gives birth to the sentiment of regionalism.
iii. Economic imbalance :
Economic imbalances have triggered regional sentiments. Some specific people of a particular state get a notion that they are being discriminated against because of backwardness and their economic development is being neglected/undermined. It boosts the mentality of regionalism.
iv. Lingual diversities:
In India, different states and regions Eire having their own languages. Geographical boundaries of states’ governments Eire decided on the basis of language. People who speak their own provincial language develop an attraction of cohesion towsirds the lsinguage. They think that their language is superior to the other languages. As a result, regionalism is promoted.
v. Cultural diversities :
The more disparities and specialities in culture means more regional imbalances. India is a country of multiple cultures, languages and traditions. Because of existence of many sub-cultural groups, there are mutual social and cultural disparities amongst them. On account of these disparities, the people regard their region superior to other regions and hence raise the demand for a separate region for themselves. As a result, the feeling of regionalism gets ‘intensified’.
vi. Historical and political reasons :
Since ancient times, India has been a country of a large number of territorial states. Here central administration could not sustain for a longer period of time. The more powerful of subordinate territories declared their independence at times when the central government became weak and these kings (Princes) established their own independent states. Besides, some regions could progress remarkably, whereas some regions remained undeveloped during British Rule. This status of differentiation is still continuing. In the wake of this disparity, the feeling of regionalism has got a ‘boost’.
Ways to eliminate Regionalism :
- It is the responsibility of the central government that while formulating policies for the equitable development of all regions, it works in a way to make balanced and uniform policies without any political bias or favour.
- If equal focus and priority is given to developing smaller states/regions which have deficient resources, then the residents living there will gradually come to develop trust and the extremist form of regionalism would vanish.
- In order to reduce regional differences, priority has to be given to the basic facilities of irrigation, electricity, transportation and communication in backward and undeveloped regions, which would bear long-term positive results.
- Local area development schemes could be implemented successfully by provincial government in smaller states.
Question 2.
Write your critical views on the bad results of regionalism in India.
Answer:
Bad results of regionalism in India : The following are the bad results of regionalism in India.
- Struggle and tension amongst different regions :
The very first bad effect which we are made to see because of narrow regionalism is the struggle and tension among different regions which is the rise. This economic and political struggle sometimes takes a psychological twist making the situation worse. The reason is that every region attaches the highest priority to its own interests or selfish ends and the people of this region do not care of its repercussions on other regions. - Threat to the unity of the country :
Narrow-minded regionalism is a threat to the unity
of the nation. The situation, which erupts due to struggle and tension among different regions, is a serious threat on conventions and sentiments of national unity. Because of regionalism, there takes place serious arguments and differences either for regional vested interests or for political self-governance, which is a clear threat to the unity of the country. - Emergence of selfish leadership and organisations :
Another bad effect of regionalism is that there is an emergence of many leaderships and organisations in different regions, which indulge in fulfilling their own vested interests. These leaders do not pay any heed to wider national interest, instead, they care of their own interests. - Bad relations between central and state governments :
Because of regionalism in . India, the relations between central and state governments turn bitter. These organisations, regional leaders, big business houses and politicians grant priority to their , own region and they try to get the attention of the central government drawn to them.
If the central government favours any side, it becomes a cause of animosity and hence the relation between central government and state governments do not remain amicable.
Question 3.
What is lingualism? Throw light on the methods to change its extremist form to a harmonious one.
Answer:
Lingualism is such a notion under which a person attaches priority to his own language only and regards other languages inferior to his. India is a country of many languages wherein many languages are spoken in different regions. Hindi language is the official language of the country in accordance with the article -343 of Indian constitution. In order to encourage national unity, many dominant regional languages have been included in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution.
Hindi has not been accepted official language by the entire country. The opposition to Hindi has been maximum in South India. They are under the fear that if Hindi is successfully given recognition as an official language, then Hindi-speaking provinces and regions are going to have dominance in government jobs and as a result, they would be neglected. Therefore they support English language and raise demand and support to make English language an official language besides Hindi. On the basis of language, political parties had encouraged narrow mentality of localism and because of which many states, including Tamil Nadu, witnessed high-pitched agitations and riots. The following efforts may be made to pacify the extremist mentality on lingualism, and a better and peaceful atmosphere can be ensured in the country :
- Propagation and percolation of Hindi language:
In order to resolve the problem of lingualism, it is necessary to undertake a planned strategy to spread Hindi in all the states of the union of India so that the problem can be addressed. - Awareness among people :
Many campaigns and rallies should be conducted to infuse a sense of awareness as regards the subject matter related to language. The people should know of the reality on this matter. - To end political narrow mindedness :
It is necessary to end political parochialism to eliminate the problem of lingualism so that political leaders are not allowed to compromise people’s interest for their own vested interests. - Restriction on English language :
The use of English language should be restricted to administrative and political activities only for the sake of translation. - Expansion of cultural and educational activities:
For the sake of lingual exchanges and for increasing interactions among people, it is quite mandatory to widen the scope of cultural and educational activities. - Use of ‘Three- language formula’:
Stress should be given to encourage candidates to use Hindi, English and other languages in competitive examinations. - Appropriate action:
It is necessary to end the problem of lingualism, that whosoever indulges in illegal activities on the basis of language, a stringent action should be initialted against the wrong-doers. - Boost to tourism :
By way of encouraging tourism in states, Hindi’s necessity should be made practical. And in this way also, this problem can be resolved.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Other Important Questions
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which of the following is not a cause of regionalism?
(a) Administrative differences
(b) Cultural diversities
(c) Natural differences
(d) Balanced National policy formation
Answer:
(d) Balanced National policy formation
Question 2.
Regionalism has given birth to :
(a) Religion
(b) Separatism
(c) Regional development
(d) Mutual harmony.
Answer:
(b) Separatism
Question 3.
Where is the sentiment of regionalism prevalent?
(a) In entire country
(b) In states
(c) In Regions
(d) No where
Answer:
(a) In entire country
Question 4.
The concept of ‘Son of Soil’ in related to what?
(a) Casteism
(b) Lingualism
(c) Regionalism
(d) None of these
Answer:
(c) Regionalism
Question 5.
The effort to end regionalism-
(a) Balanced national policy formation
(b) Formation of small states
(c) Restriction on lingual varieties
(d) All the above
Answer:
(d) All the above
Question 6.
In which article in India’s constitution, it is mentioned that Hindi language will be official language of the Union of India?
(a) Article 110
(b) Article 51
(c) Article 343
(d) None of these
Answer:
(c) Article 343
Question 7.
Which language is declared as official language in our constitution?
(a) Hindi
(b) English
(c) Sanskrit
(d) Urdu
Answer:
(a) Hindi
Question 8.
The first official language commission was constituted in
(a) 1955
(b) 1956
(c) 1967
(d) 1990
Answer:
(a) 1955
Question 9.
The chairman of the first official language commission was :
(a) Prof. B. G. Khare
(b) K.N. Menon
(c) Jai Prakash Narayan
(d) None of these
Answer:
(a) Prof. B. G. Khare
Question 10.
Who is authorised to constitute language commission?
(a) Prime Minister
(b) Chief Minister
(c) President
(d) Parliament
Answer:
(c) President
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Why was not India economically strong at the time of independence?
Answer:
Over-exploitation of our economy by the foreign rulers and unbalanced development of regions were the main reasons as to why our country was not economically robust.
Question 2.
What are the factors, which influenced the forces for reorganisation of states?
Answer:
Caste, religion, community and some special persons having dominant image influenced the reorganisation process of states.
Question 3.
What are the causes responsible for regional imbalances in states?
Answer:
The prevalence of regional imbalances in states are on account of the status of economic development and political loyalty of bureaucracy, etc.
Question 4.
Mention two main demands responsible for encouragement to regionalism.
Answer:
- Demand for new states
- Demand for re-organisation of old states.
Question 5.
Which demands of regions have boosted sentiments of regionalism?
Answer:
Demands of regions:
- Re-organisation of states
- Formation of new states
- Claim of optimum political partnership.
Question 6.
What types of challenges and problems are born out of concept of ‘Son of Soil’ – Bhumiputra?
Answer:
Regionalism.
Question 7.
Mention two efforts to stop regionalism.
Answer:
- Balanced National Policy formation.
- Formation of small states.
Question 8.
Write the names of three special programmes started by the government of India for the development of backward regions.
Answer:
- Desert Development Programme (DDP)
- Hill-Area Development Programme (HADP)
- Tribal Area Development Programme (TADP)
Question 9.
What rights are given to the state legislatures in the constitution as regards language?
Answer:
The legislative assemblies of the states have been authorised as per constitution that they can accepts/ recognise / use Hindi and state’s regional language in the government transactions /activities in the state.
Question 10.
In which year did the proposal to enforce ‘Three-language formula’ come?
Answer:
In 1967, the suggestion to enforce ‘Three-language formula’ came through official language Amendment Act.
Question 11.
Clarify‘three-language formula’adopted in India.
Answer:
Three-language formula is adopted in India- official language Hindi, correspondence language English and one regional language which is included in the schedule of the constitution.
Question 12.
Why does lingualism flourish?
Answer:
When a regional language is branded superior to Hindi or other languages, lingualism emerges.
Question 13.
Mention one remedy for the resolution of the problem of lingualism.
Answer:
Percolation and propagation of Hindi should be done in a strategic manner, bringing all into confidence.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Mention the characteristics of regionalism.
Answer:
The description of characteristics of regionalism can be done as given below:
- In this, interests of a specific region are taken care of.
- Regionalism is a learnt behaviour.
- Regionalism includes biasness.
- It is seen as a separate political and social unit.
- Because of more disparities in cultural heritage, its effect gets ‘intensified’.
- At present, regionalism is directly linked to representation received from politics and the government.
- The premise of regionalism is blind faith.
- Sometimes, regionalism is assimilated with violent nature.
Question 2.
After independence, which demands have intensified the sentiments of regionalism?
Or
Which are the main demands responsible to encourage regionalism in India?
Answer:
After independence, the following demands are responsible to intensify the sentiments of regionalism :
- Demand for re-organisation of old (existing) states.
- Demand for formation of new states.
- Emergence of dispute in respect of distribution of natural resources.
- Desire for more autonomy within the union of India.
- Maximum financial assistance from the centre.
- Claim for optimum political partnership.
- River-water related disputes.
Question 3.
Mention the causes of regionalism.
Answer:
Causes of regionalism :
Main causes of regionalism are as follows:
- Naturally created differences and inequalities.
- Lack of equal distribution of resources provided by the administration or administrative bias.
- Differences in centrally-funded investment and development.
- Historical and political factors.
- Cultural diversities
- Lingual diversity which encourages feelings of regionalism.
Question 4.
Explain the effect of regionalism on Indian politics.
Answer:
Effect of regionalism on India politics :
The effect of regionalism on Indian politics is a disputed subject. There are two schools of thoughts/ observations on this matter. One school of observance thinks that it has negative effects. According to them, regional movements have cast negative impact on Indian politics and by this, separatist and agitational politics has got encouragement. As per this view, regional agitations have misused and exploited religion, language, caste, etc. The second school of thought goes to accept its positive impact (regional agitations). According to the supporters of this conviction, regional agitations in India are, more or less, not of separatist nature. The main motto of regional movements was to gather and acquire facilities for their own region or community and hence, it provides an acceleration to the pace of development.
Factual condition lies between these two viewpoints. There has been unequal pace of development in India and as such objection is obvious on regional grounds. If there are ample opportunities of development and the dividends earned out of these are judiciously distributed, then regional movements cannot cast bad effects on the union structure of the country.
Question 5.
Mention any two initiatives for the resolution of the problem of regionalism.
Answer:
Two initiatives for resolution of the problem of regionalism:
Two efforts for the resolution of problem on regionalism are as follows :
- Development of basic infrastructure :
In order to reduce regional differences, priority has to be given to the basic facilities of irrigation, electricity, transportation and communication in backward and undeveloped regions. This is quite necessary to end regionalism. The development of basic infrastructure is helpful in industrial progress and generation of employment. - Formation of small states from administrative point of view :
Local area development schemes could be implemented successfully by provincial government in smaller states. The share in distribution of central taxes increases because of this.
RBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 25 Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Mention in detail the efforts for the resolution of the problem of regionalism.
Answer:
Efforts for the resolution of the problem of regionalism:
The following are the main methods for the resolution of the problem of regionalism.
i. Balanced National policy formation :
It is the responsibility of the central government that while formulating policies for the equitable development of all the regions, it should work them out in a balanced and uniform manner without any political bias or otherwise. If equal attention and special care is given to the development of smaller regions/states which are comparatively deficient in resources, the residents living there will gradually have trust and the extremist form of regionalism will subside.
ii. Development of basic infrastructure in states :
The government should attach priority for providing the basic facilities of irrigation, electricity, transportation and communication in backward and undeveloped regions, which would fetch good results. The development of basic infrastructure becomes helpful in Industrial progress and generation of employment.
iii. Launching special development programmes in form of Projects :
To end the problem of regionalism, programmes of special activities should be launched. The government is active in this direction. The government has started an initiative for the elimination of regional backwardness in undeveloped regions, in a phased .manner. For example-Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), Desert development Programme (DDP), Hill Area Development Programme (HADP), Tribal Area Development Programme (TADP), etc. In addition, regional imbalances can be minimised in backward regions/ states by granting special category to them.
iv. Formation of small states :
Big and extensive states should be divided into small states. It is necessary for administrative efficiency. Local Area Development schemes could be implemented successfully by provincial government in smaller states. The share in distribution of central taxes increases because of this.
v. Making cultural diversity a tool for integration :
It should be our effort to underline our diversity as an asset and strength through communication by using television, radio, newspapers and others. To lend identity to various cultures and to dignify them and to synthesize them with each other in a harmonious way could be a means of integration.
vi. Respect for lingual diversity :
Our constitution has accepted diversity by recognizing regional languages. Besides national language, all regional languages should be developed and honoured. The learning of national language, mother tongue and one additional regional language should be made compulsory.
vii. Ban on political parties for encouraging regionalism :
Central government should ban such political parties which are found to be indulging in exploiting the sentiments of regionalism. Such people of the related parties should not be given a post of minister or any important post/assignment, who believe in regionalism and also give promotion to it.
viii. Development of backward regions :
In the backward regions /areas of the country, some special efforts should be made to generate employment resources by way of concentrating on education and welfare schemes for health sector, women and children.
ix. Establishment of regional autonomous councils :
In order to end regionalism, regional autonomous councils should be established to provide equal economic facilities to all the people of all the regions. They should be provided with administrative and financial autonomy beside political autonomy. And in this way, industrial development will take place, generating resources of employment at regional level. The local residents will feel ‘contented’ and they will eschew the politics of agitation.
Question 2.
Write an essay on lingualism in India.
Answer:
Lingualism in India :
India is a diverse and multi-lingual country. Population of the country exceeds 1.30 billion. Different languages are spoken in its different states. In accordance with article 343, Hindi is its state (official) language. In order to encourage national unity, the main languages of the country have been listed in the 8th schedule of the constitution.
Official language commission :
In 1955, the government constituted a 21-member official language commission under the chairmanship of Prof. B.G. Khare. And as such it is known as Khare commission. The main object of this commission was to study and suggest ways for industrial, cultural and scientific progress of the country and also its viewpoints on the demands being made by non-Hindi speaking regions with regard to central competitive examinations. The commission emphasised the propagation of Hindi language. The commission also observed that, “As Hindi is spoken by a large population of the country, hence Hindi should work in the form of language of communication”.
Official language Amendment Act :
By the adoption of ‘Official Language Amendment Act’, 1967, linguistic system was amended as per prevailing circumstances and ‘Three-language formula’ was recommended. It was decided to conduct examinations for government services in Hindi, English and other regional languages besides ensuring consistent development of Hindi language.
Development of Lingualism and related problems :
After independence there has been a growth in lingualism and because of this, many problems emerged. There have been agitations for the formation of new states on the basis of language and the reorganisation of states was done in 1956 on linguistic basis. In 1967, many violent events happened after official language law was amended; and in the report of official language committee, the views of the members voicing dissent towards Hindi were also included.
On the basis of language, regional political parties encouraged the sentiments of parochial mentality. Many states of South resorted to movements against the use of Hindi language and owing to linguistic politics, the notion of ‘Son of Soil’ emerged. Allotment of resources and jobs in favour of provincial language- speakers and a sense of intolerance towards those who are not lying on the same page in terms of linguistic denomination, generated a mindset of animosity in communities on the basis of language. For example : in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena objected to Kannad-speaking Karnatakites. Other citizens have no trouble if one regional language is developing, but to think-that Hindi is an impediment to the development of regional languages and to resort to violent methods, is not good for national ‘pride’.
Efforts to solve the problem of lingualism :
The following efforts can be made to resolve the problem of lingualism.
- Propagation and Percolation of Hindi language :
For solving the problem of linguaiism, it is necessary that the propagation of Hindi should be undertaken strategically in all the states of India so that this problem can be sorted out. - To end political parochialism :
In order to resolve the problem of linguaiism, it is quite ‘ necessary that all political narrow mindedness should end so that political leaders cannot use people’s aspirations for their own vested interests. - Awareness in people :
In order to infuse awareness in people towards the language, many campaigns and camps should be put in place so that people can get factual knowledge of the real situation. - Limited use of English language :
In administrative and other political activities the use of English-language should be restricted to translation only. - Use of ‘Three-language Formula’:
Emphasis should be laid on the use of Hindi, English and other regional language in competitive examinations for all the candidates.. - Boost to tourism:
By way of encouraging tourism in the states, the use of Hindi should be made practical so that the problem can be solved. - Suitable action :
It is quite necessary for ending the problem of linguaiism that whoever dares to indulge in subversive activities on the basis of language, a strict action must be initiated against the perpetrator. - Widening of cultural and educational activities :
For the sake of lingual exchanges and also for increasing ‘get together’ among people, cultural and educational interactions should be promoted.